Writer lashed over grey nomad caning

By Dennis Amor
Have your say

A NEWSPAPER columnist has come under fire from furious grey nomads after labelling them an unregulated and undertaxed menace on our roads.

Writer Paul Syvret vented his anger in Queensland's Sunday Mail, describing the travellers as the "highway equivalent of cholesterol".

"Yes, it is time for a caravan tax, combined with a special licensing system for those people who, for some inexplicable reason, think it is a grand idea to tow these lumbering land yachts along our roads and highways," he wrote.

"They are, generally speaking, totally oblivious to the world around them, unless of course it's a sign advertising a free cuppa and bikkies at the next Driver Reviver stop, or any other facilities where they don't have to actually spend money."

Caravanning News went on the road to ask grey nomads for their opinions on Mr Syvret's controversial article
	Horst Boehm, Victoria: This guy is crazy. We are making the dollars roll into small communities. They would be struggling but for us grey nomads.
	June Cruikshank, WA: He sounds like someone who is very ill informed and needs to get a few more facts. We bring wealth to small towns.
	Bob, Queensland: It's all bull. Ok, caravanners do delay some traffic, but so do trucks. It's like everything ... 95 percent good, five percent bad.
	John, SA: He's talking a load of rubbish. I have been caravanning for 50 years and can honestly say small communities love us. I think he's just anti-caravanner.

During his venomous torrent of abuse, Mr Syvret referred to grey nomads as "dawdling dingbats".

"Nanna-vans are an unregulated and undertaxed menace that are begging for action from a government brave enough to tackle this scourge," he said.

His outburst brought a wave of protests to Caravanning Queensland, which comprises the state's Caravan Trade & Industries and Caravan Parks associations.

And in its next edition, the statewide-read newspaper allowed the peak body's chief executive, Ron Chapman, to reply.

"Judging by the hundreds of people that contacted Caravanning Queensland in outrage following publication of his column, it is clear many in this state strongly disagree with his sentiments," Mr Chapman wrote.

"The idea that caravans are only enjoyed by 'Grey Nomads' is outdated and inaccurate.

"Caravanning is very much the modern family choice and provides an invaluable economic stimulus."

Mr Chapman pointed out that when figures were last available, authorities reported less than 0.01 percent of accidents were caused by caravans.

"All caravans are registered according to the law and to their usage," he said.

"Let's remember caravans spend a good amount of time in the garage. They are not on the road every day like your family car."

In a letter to the Sunday Mail, Caravan Clubs of Queensland secretary Barbara Rutherford expressed anger over Mr Syvret's comments.

"Our members of all ages show great respect for other road users," she said.

"How dare Syvret label and stereotype caravanners 'dawdling dingbats'.

"How ludicrous to suggest that Treasurer Curtis Pitt introduce a caravan tax.

"The flow-on effect of such a tax would burden many people, such as caravan manufacturers, caravan sellers, caravan owners, country businesses and showgrounds, as well as the state's tourism industry."

Reader David Laing described Mr Syvret's article as "sarcastic and spiteful".

"Has he ever towed a caravan or boat?" he asked.

"Driving at 90km/h is a matter of safety as caravans are subject to high winds and buffeting from heavy vehicles.

"I am always on the lookout for a place to pull over to let any other vehicles pass. This is not always possible as I need a few metres to slow down.

"Most spots to pull over are dirt and it is easy to lock up all brakes and slide.

"Think about this next time you are grumbling and fuming along behind a caravan, and give us a bit of space."

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